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Dyson getting Royals' offense started

Dyson getting Royals' offense started

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Jarrod Dyson

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KANSAS CITY -- The Royals are playing better baseball of late, and one factor contributing to the recent success is the improved leadoff hitting of Jarrod Dyson.

Although he started the season in the Minor Leagues, Dyson has started in center field in every game since April 29. Since then, he's hit .311 with a .394 on-base percentage. He's also walked eight times, stolen four bases and scored 15 runs.

The team's record since then? 10-6.

"I've been going out and just trying to keep the ball out of the air," Dyson said. "When I'm in the box, I just try to see as many pitches as possible, get good pitches to hit. And I always try to tell myself, 'Make sure to get a quality at-bat. Don't just go up there and throw at-bats away.'"

It's been a change in approach that Royals manager Ned Yost said has contributed to Dyson's success.

"He's never been this sort of hitter before, but he's made an adjustment," Yost said. "When he left Spring Training, we told him what he needed to do, and he's bought into it. His adjustments are the difference between him being in Triple-A and the big leagues right now. Having a lot of success at the big league level, he's starting to understand what his tools are and use them to the best of his ability. He's doing a great job of it."

Dyson's labor yielded fruit on Tuesday, when he scored three runs in the Royals' 7-4 win over the Rangers. The leadoff man was quick to give credit to his teammates.

"I've been scoring because of them," Dyson said. "They put the ball in play. I can't just do it by myself. Getting on base is really huge. They're doing a great job of getting me in, hopefully we can keep that going."